Two E Bar/Lounge — Restaurant in New York

Wonderful hotel, but I had an afternoon tea experience that was a bit of a let down. In short, if you have a food allergy, beware!

My wife and I were visiting NYC over Thanksgiving to see the parade. We decided to visit the Pierre Two E Bar based on a recommendation from a friend who had previously visited. We arrived right at 2pm so there was only one other person in the bar. We were promptly seated and had a wonderful spot near the Christmas tree. We ordered afternoon tea and even though we were the only ones, it took quite some time. Upon getting the items, I realized I neglected to mention my allergy (people in Boston always ask which has spoiled me). I asked the server and he mentioned that many of the items had tree nuts in them and was instantly quite rude. We didn't return anything because I felt at fault for not mentioning it, but when I asked him to repeat what had tree nuts in it, he became even more rude and agitated. I asked at that point if it were standard procedure to ask about allergies ahead of time and he said no. He mentioned that even if he did, we would have to let them know at least 24-hours ahead of time. Like many others, we made a reservation but the website gave no indication of this requirement which means we would have wasted our time coming across town to enjoy afternoon tea and I would not have been able to eat half of it all. I find this completely unacceptable.

After tea (during which we never saw the waiter again), I paid and then requested to see the manager. It took at least 10-minutes, but I was finally greeted with a very friendly gentlemen. I voiced my concern and he was quite nice and VERY sorry for the poor service and the oversight in such an important thing. He of course offered to have us back, etc, but I said that all I wanted was for others to know ahead of time. I have given it a week and a half and still have not seen any notes on their website that those with allergies should notify the restaurant 24-hours ahead of time so i'm writing this review to help others that might find themselves in this situation.

I find this all too bad-- it's a beautiful place and this is an example of how one server really ruined an experience when it seems all others were quite friendly. I would most certainly recommend this place, but be careful if you have any...

Lovely hotel. We arrived 10 min before afternoon tea started and were treated to a short tour of the hotel by Ivette from the concierge desk. She made a wonderful impression with her authentic and friendly demeanor.

Afternoon tea was a success according to my daughter, who was the reason for our visit. I thought the food and service were a bit disappointing. The top of the cream and the lemon curd was slightly congealed. Cream may not have tasted entirely fresh! Sandwiches seemed like they might have sat already prepared for a little too long. Tables are a bit small and low for eating but overall the atmosphere is elegant. The waiter was not as gracious as others we had encountered, I hope it wasn’t because we came with a groupon. The teas and sweets were delicious.

Overall, really pleased to have discovered this elegant, old-world hotel and its interesting place in NYC history. Ivette and the doorman at the 61st street entrance were the epitome of genuinely warm service! We will look to stay for a special occasion sometime in the future and maybe give the afternoon tea a second try—hopefully we were just there...

I sent the email below to The Pierre Director of Restaurants two weeks ago and have yet to receive an apology or even an acknowledgement.

My best friend and I had a delightful, memorable experience at Tiffany Blue Box Cafe on Monday.  We had hoped to enjoy high tea at your Two E Lounge, but that was not to happen.

You mentioned during our brief conversation that tea service had not been offered at The Pierre since covid.  That was 4 years ago, yet your Google site lists tea service, prices and photos!

When we sat down for our 3 pm reservation on February 12, in disbelief that high tea was not available, you might have assisted us in securing a table at another nearby establishment.  Instead we fumbled on our phones to determine where to go.

I am writing this email not wishing to receive future discounts or vouchers.  We are New Yorkers and likely will never have an opportunity to reserve a hotel room.  The absurdity of the situation deserves a complaint.  The Pierre should clean up its online presence to avoid...